Black Friday is practically a holiday for deal-hunters. With online shopping booming, it’s tempting to jump on every deal that comes your way. But here’s the catch—not every discount is what it seems, and not every online shop is trustworthy. And sometimes the best deals aren’t where you’d expect to look.

Knowing what to look for—and what to avoid—can mean the difference between real savings and falling for clever marketing tactics. This guide covers the most effective strategies for finding true Black Friday discounts, avoiding scams, and knowing when to shop from smaller, local stores.

1. The Trick of Price Inflation: Not Every Discount is Real

Retailers often use an old trick: inflating prices a few weeks before Black Friday to make discounts seem bigger than they are. For example, an item listed at $100 in October may be bumped up to $140 by early November, only to be “discounted” back to $100 on Black Friday. This tactic can make a regular price appear as a huge savings.

To ensure a discount is legitimate, start tracking the prices of items on your list about a month before Black Friday. Sites like CamelCamelCamel track Amazon price histories, so you can see if a price has truly dropped or just gone back to normal.

Additionally, signing up for price alerts lets you know when an item has actually dropped to the lowest price in recent history. This extra step only takes a minute to set up and is especially helpful for high-priced items like electronics and appliances, where the price history can reveal real savings from fake discounts.

2. Shopping Safely: Spotting Fake Sites and Avoiding Scams

Online Black Friday sales often bring an unfortunate surge in scam sites and phishing attempts. Here’s how to shop safely:

  • Check Website Addresses Carefully: Scammers create sites that mimic popular retailers like Amazon or Walmart but use slightly altered website addresses like “Anazon.com” or “BestBay.com.” Before entering payment information, look at the top of your screen to double-check that everything is correctly spelled and includes “https,” which indicates a secure connection.
  • Avoid “Your Payment Was Declined” Phishing Scams: Fake messages spike around Black Friday. You might get an email or text claiming “Your payment was declined” or “Your package couldn’t be delivered.” These usually include a link asking you to update payment details or confirm account information. Never click that link! Instead, go to the retailer’s official website and log in there.  And if you get a phone call from a site’s “Customer Service” or “Your Credit Card Company,” politely hang up, then call the phone number that’s on the website or the back of your card.
  • Recognize Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals: If a site offers prices that seem unusually low, be cautious. Scam sites sometimes advertise extremely cheap products to gather credit card details. Stick to retailers you know, and if you’re unsure, search for reviews of the site or use a security site-check tool like Google’s Safe Browsing.

3. Smart Shopping Tools for Black Friday

One of the best parts of online shopping is access to tools that help you maximize your savings and verify if an item’s price is genuinely low. Here are some tools that every savvy Black Friday shopper should consider using:

  • Honey: Honey offers price history charts on Amazon and searches for available coupons. You can also set price drop alerts for specific items, helping you get notified when a product you want is on sale.
  • RetailMeNot: RetailMeNot offers promo codes, cashback, and discount vouchers for popular online retailers. It’s especially helpful for Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping when new deals are added frequently.
  • Rakuten: Rakuten offers cashback on purchases from thousands of retailers, including many who run Black Friday specials. By using Rakuten’s app or website, you can earn cashback on top of sale prices, which can add up for bigger-ticket items.

Using these tools is easy: install the browser extension, search for your items, and activate cashback or coupon codes at checkout. Setting up these tools before Black Friday ensures you won’t miss any last-minute deals or savings opportunities.

4. Choosing Between Major Retailers and Local Shops

Black Friday doesn’t have to mean just shopping at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. Many smaller retailers and local stores participate as well. Knowing when to choose a smaller retailer over a big-box store can lead to unique finds and, in some cases, even better deals.

When to Shop Smaller Retailers:

  • Support Local Businesses: Smaller or independent businesses may offer exclusive discounts and unique products not found at larger retailers. Supporting them helps keep money within the community and often means getting products with a personal touch.
  • Special Discounts or Gift Certificates: Local deal websites like My Deals Michiana and My Deals Fort Wayne provide gift certificates to nearby restaurants, spas, and stores. And many local businesses offer gift certificates on their own websites or in-person. These can make wonderful gifts or even be used as an additional way to save on holiday outings.
  • Celebrate Small Business Saturday: Held the day after Black Friday, Small Business Saturday highlights deals and exclusive offers from small, independent retailers. This is a perfect chance to find one-of-a-kind gifts and support local shops while avoiding some of the big-box Black Friday crowds.
  • Find Something Unique: Big retailers have vast stock and quick delivery, but small businesses may have limited stock on exclusive items. Handcrafted products, specialty foods, or local art are more unique and can be better quality than mass-produced items. If you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind gift or something with a regional touch, local shops are your best bet.

5. Timing Your Purchases: Not Every Deal Happens on Black Friday

While Black Friday is known for its discounts, some of the best deals don’t occur on Black Friday itself. Many retailers start sales days or even weeks before, and prices may actually be lower in the days following Black Friday, including Cyber Monday. This trend of spreading out discounts gives you more time to compare and decide without the rush.

Many online stores offer “Early Access” sales, which allow subscribers to shop Black Friday deals ahead of time. Signing up for email alerts from your favorite retailers ensures you’re notified about early discounts and exclusive offers. Furthermore, some retailers extend sales into “Cyber Week” with discounts that continue through the following weekend.

For certain items like electronics or home appliances, prices may drop even further during post-holiday clearance sales. So if you miss out on a deal, you might still find a great price later. Keeping track of your target items and comparing prices during different sale periods lets you make informed purchases.

6. Watch Out for Shipping and Return Policies

One thing often overlooked during Black Friday shopping is the fine print on shipping and return policies. During the holiday season, retailers might charge extra for shipping or tighten their return windows to clear inventory. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Shipping Costs: Look for stores offering free shipping for Black Friday orders. Many retailers offer free shipping with minimum purchase amounts, which can be especially helpful for larger orders. However, be aware of additional fees for rush shipping or oversized items.
  • Return Policies: Some stores limit returns or charge restocking fees on Black Friday purchases. Double-check if the items you’re buying are returnable, as final sale policies are common for deeply discounted items. Knowing the return policy is essential, particularly for electronics or clothing, where fit and function may vary.

7. Use Multiple Payment Methods for Extra Rewards and Security

Maximize your savings by using credit cards that offer cashback, points, or other rewards for online shopping. Some cards also provide extra perks like extended warranties or price protection, which can be helpful for big-ticket items. Additionally, certain payment apps like PayPal or Apple Pay offer extra layers of buyer protection and security, which can be valuable if there’s an issue with an order.

Digital wallets, such as Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay, also make online shopping safer by encrypting your payment details. These services create unique transaction codes, so your actual card details aren’t shared with the retailer, providing added security. To learn more about how digital wallets work for online shopping, check out this guide on digital wallets and consider setting one up if you haven’t already.

PayPal often runs special Black Friday promotions, so you may be able to earn extra cashback or savings on specific purchases. It’s also a safer way to shop online since your payment information isn’t directly shared with the retailer.

Wrapping Up: Get the Best of Black Friday Without the Stress

Black Friday shopping online doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you’re prepared. By watching for price inflation, choosing reputable websites, and taking advantage of tools that track real deals, you can shop with confidence. Remember to check in with local retailers, too; their unique offerings and personalized service can add something special to your holiday gifts. Lastly, keeping an eye on policies for shipping, returns, and security protects your purchases and ensures a smooth shopping experience.

With these insights in hand, you’re ready to make the most of Black Friday. Happy shopping!